Incidental action

For victims of serious crimes, which specifically includes all sexual offences, there is the possibility of incidental action. This is what you can expect if you file for incidental action.

    Ein blaues Omega Zeichen, mit braunen Paragraphen.

    How does incidental action work?

    If you are a joint plaintiff, the court must be informed of this. Only then will incidental action be admitted.

    If you are a joint plaintiff, the court must be informed of this. Only then will incidental action be admitted.

    This notification can be provided at any stage in the proceedings. However, a trial does not start again if you decide to appear as a joint plaintiff on the day of the questioning. The court does not have to make allowances for the witness.

    Can I get a lawyer?

    Bei minderjährigen Zeug:innen muss ein:e Opferanwält:in bei sexuellem Missbrauch auf Antrag von Amts wegen beigeordnet werden. Auch Erwachsene, die als Kinder oder Jugendliche missbraucht wurden, haben einen solchen Anspruch.

    Bei minderjährigen Zeug:innen muss ein:e Opferanwält:in bei sexuellem Missbrauch auf Antrag von Amts wegen beigeordnet werden. Auch Erwachsene, die als Kinder oder Jugendliche missbraucht wurden, haben einen solchen Anspruch.

    In the case of underage witnesses, a victim lawyer must be appointed ex officio upon application in the event of sexual abuse. Adults who were abused as children or adolescents are entitled to the same. Regardless of their financial circumstances, they can have a victim lawyer assigned to them by the court free of charge. You can find lawyers who specialise in victims' rights here or via the Verein Nebenklage e. V. association.

    Blaues Smartphone, aus dem eine blaue Sprechblase herauskommt. Der Untergrund ist ein hellblauer Kreis.

    Give us a call – even if you're unsure

    Talk to the advisors of the Sexual Abuse Help Line. Your call is anonymous and free of charge.

    0800 22 55 530

    Telephone hours:

    Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Tues, Thurs: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

    Zwei blaue Sprechblasen kreuzen sich, mit Pfeilen nach oben und unten ausgerichtet. In der oberen Sprechblase sind drei Punkte. Im Hintergrund befindet sich ein rosa Kreis.

    Send us a message

    – securely and confidentially

    The Sexual Abuse Help Line also offers advice by email. By registering, the advice service remains confidential.

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